Power trimming and tilting system

ABSTRACT

A marine propulsion device comprising a swivel bracket mounted on a tilt pin for vertical swinging movement relative to boat transom, means supporting a thrust element for movement about the axis of the tilt pin, means on the swivel bracket for engaging the thrust element to transmit forward thrust from the swivel bracket to the thrust element when the marine propoulsion device is operating in forward drive, and hydraulic trim means for selectively displacing the thrust element about the axis of the tilt pin. In one embodiment, the hydraulic trim means includes an extensible and retractable trim piston-cylinder assembly and is operable to displace the swivel bracket about the horizontal tilt axis through a limited range to establish a trim position. Also included is hydraulic tilt means connected to the swivel bracket and operable, to vertically swing the swivel bracket relative to the boat transom between the trim position and an elevated position, together with means for operating the hydraulic trim means independently of the hydraulic tilt means, and means for operating the hydraulic tilt means independently of the hydraulic trim means.

ml States Patent 11 1 Meyer et al.

[ Oct. 8, 1974 POWER TRIMMING AND TTLTING SYSTEM [75] Inventors: Martin H. Meyer, Libertyville;

Raymond D. Collis, Round Lake,

both of Ill.

[73] Assignee: oiitisdai timaiiiicarifirstian; Waukegan, Ill.

[22] Filed: Dec. 8, 1972 [211 App]. No.: 313,521

' Primary Examiner-Trygve M. Blix Assistant Examiner-Charles E. Frankfort Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Michael, Best & Friedrich [57] ABSTRACT A marine propulsion device comprising a swivel bracket mounted on a tilt pin for vertical swinging movement relative to boat transom, means supporting a thrust element for movement about the axis of the tilt pin, means on the swivel bracket for engaging the thrust element to transmit forward thrust from the swivel bracket to the thrust element when the marine propulsion device is operating in forward drive, and hydraulic trim means for selectively displacing the thrust element about the axis of the tilt pin. In one embodiment, the hydraulic trim means includes an extensible and retractable trim piston-cylinder assembly and is operable to displace the swivel bracket about the horizontal tilt axis through a limited range to establish a trim position. Also included is hydraulic tilt means connected to the swivel bracket and operable, to vertically swing the swivel bracket relative to the boat transom between the trim position and an elevated position, together with means for operating the hydraulic trim means independently of the hydraulic tilt means, and means for operating the hydraulic tilt means independently of the hydraulic trim means.

14 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures it L mamas FAIENIEUum 81914 WEE 1% E WEE:

POWER TRIMMING AND TILTING SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates generally to arrangements for trimming marine propulsion devices, such as outboard motors and stern drive units. More particular, the invention relates to hydraulic arrangements for trimming such marine propulsion devices. Still more particularly, the invention relates to marine propulsion devices which provide hydraulic trim means and which afford tilting in such manner as to permit the return of the propulsion unit to the previously set trim position subsequent to tilting action without operator intervention. Such capacity or ability sometimes is referred to as memory.

Attention is directed to the Hulsebus US. Pat. No. Re. 25,048, issued Oct. 3, 1961, which discloses a reverse lock arrangement.

Attention is also directed to the Kiekhaefer US. Pat. No. 2,953,335, issued Sept. 20, 1960, which discloses a hydraulic tilting arrangement.

Attention is further directed to the Cass U.S. Pat. No. 3,116,710, issued Jan. 7, 1964, which discloses apparatus for controllably varying the elevation and angle of a marine propulsion device.

Attention is further directed to the Hixon US. Pat. No. 3,191,573, issued June 29, 1965, which discloses an arrangement for trimming an outboard motor.

Attention is also directed to the Moberg U.S. Pat. No. 3,581,702, issued June 1, 1971, which discloses an outboard motor including hydraulic tilting means and hydraulic trimming means.

Attention is still further directed to the Carpenter US. Pat. No. 3,722,455, issued Mar. 27, 1973, which application discloses a hydraulic power trim and hydraulic power tilt system for a marine propulsion device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a marine propulsion device including a propulsion unit supporting member mounted on a tilt pin for vertical swinging movement relative to a boat transom, means supporting a thrust element for movement about the axis of the tilt pin, means on the propulsion unit supporting member for engaging the thrust element to transmit forward thrusts from the propulsion unit supporting member to the thrust element when the marine propulsion device is operating in forward drive, and hydraulic trim means for selectively displacing the thrust element about the axis of the tilt pin. 7

Further in accordance with the invention, the marine propulsion device includes means for transmitting reverse thrust from the propulsion unit supporting member to the thrust element. I i

In one embodiment, such means comprises a reverse lock assembly mounted on the propulsion unit supporting memberand engageable with the thrust element.

In another embodiment in accordance with the invention, such reverse thrust transmitting means comprises hydraulic tilt means operable to transmit reverse thrusts and to elevate the propulsion unit between a trim position and a raised or elevated position and to absorb shock in response to the striking of an underwater obstacle.

Further in accordance with the invention, there is provided means for operating the hydraulic trim means independently of the hydraulic tilt means, and means for operating the hydraulic tilt means independently of the hydraulic trim'means.

Thus, in accordance with the invention, after upward swinging of the propulsion unit, either in response to actuation of the hydraulic tilt means or in response to the striking of an underwater obstacle, or otherwise, the propulsion unit can be returned, either by action of gravity or by action of the hydraulic tilt means, to the previously set trim position independently of any intervention on the part of the operator with respect to trimming. Thus, the device has a memory enabling return of the propulsion unit to the previously set trim position notwithstanding use of the hydraulic tilt means or inadvertent upward swinging.

One of the principal objects of the invention is the provision of a marine propulsion device with a hydraulic trimming and tilting means including memory.

Another of the principal objects of the invention is the provision of a marine propulsion device with independently operated hydraulic trim means and hydraulic tilt means.

Another of the principal objects of the invention is the provision of a marine propulsion device including hydraulic means for shifting a thrust element about a swivel bracket tilting axis.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become known by reference to the following description, claims, and the accompanying drawings.

, DRAWINGS FIG. l is a fragmentary side elevational view partly broken away and in section, of a marine propulsion device embodying various features of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary rear view, partly broken away and in section, of the device shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view partly broken away and in section of another marine propulsion device embodying various features of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary rear view, partly broken away and in section, of the device shown in FIG. 3.

Before explaining the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts set forth in the following general description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Shown inFIGS. 1' and 2 of the drawings is one embodiment'of' a marine propulsion device embodying various of the features of the inventionsWhile the invention also has applicability to stem drive units, the drawings are illustrative of an outboard motor 11 which is constructed in accordance with the invention.

The outboard motor 11 fragmentarily illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 2 includes a first member or transom bracket 13 which is adapted to be suitably fixed to the transom 15 of the boat (See FIG. 1). Connected to the transom bracket 13 by a tilt pin 17 is a second member or swivel bracket 19 which is vertically tiltable or swingable about the tilt pin 17 relative to the transom bracket 13 between a fully lowered and a fully raised position. Connected to the swivel bracket 19 through a king pin 21 (See FIG. 1) is a fragmentarily illustrated propulsion unit 23 which includes a propeller 27 operable under water during normal operating conditions and which is horizontally swingable relative to the swivel bracket 19 for steering purposes, as well as vertically swingable relative to the transom bracket 13 in common with the swivel bracket 19.

In accordance with the invention, hydraulic means 31 are provided for trimming the swivel bracket 19 relative to the transom bracket 13, i.e. for angularly displacing or vertically swinging the swivel bracket 19 relative to the transom bracket 13 in both directions through a limited range extending from the fully lowered position so as to selectively establish the swivel bracket 19 and connected propulsion unit 23 in a desired trim position.

While other arrangements can be employed, in the illustrated construction, such hydraulic trim means 31 comprises a thrust rod or element 53 (see FIG. 1) which is engageable by suitable abutment means 55 on the swivel bracket 19 was to receive forward thrust from the propulsion unit 23 when the outboard motor 11 is operating to provide forward propulsion. In turn, such thrust is transmitted from the thrust rod 53 to the boat transom 15.

The hydraulic trim means further includes means 57 supporting the thrust rod or element 53 for movement in the fore and aft direction along an arcuate path extending at a uniform radius from the axis of the tilt pin 17 so as to thereby maintain proper relation for engagement with the swivel bracket 19. Also included in the hydraulic trim means is a cylinder-piston assembly 59 mounted from the transom bracket 13 and including a piston rod 61 which is extensible and retractable in the fore and aft direction. In addition, means are provided for connecting the thrust element 53 to the piston rod 61 of the cylinder-piston assembly 59 so as to displace the thrust element 53 in the fore and aft direction in response to fore and aft extension and retraction of the piston rod 61.

In the specifically disclosed construction, the piston rod 61 is connected to the thrust rod supporting means 57 so as to pivot said means about the tilt pin 17 and thereby displace the thrust element 53 in the fore and aft direction. The connection between the piston rod 61 and the thrust rod supporting means 57 also serves to provide limited lost motion in the direction radially of the axis of the tilt pin 17 during extension and retraction of the piston rod 61 of the cylinder-piston assembly 59.

More specifically, in the illustrated construction, the cylinder piston assembly 59 includes a trim cylinder 63 fixedly connected to the transom bracket 13 and having an axis extending at least in part in the fore and aft direction and preferably approximately tangentially to the path of movement of the lower end of the thrust rod supporting bracket still to be described, together with a trim piston 65 which is movable axially in the trim cylinder 63 and which is connected to the piston rod 61 which extends outwardly from the cylinder 63.

The hydraulic trim means also includes a combined reversible electric motor and pump assembly 71 connected by a pair of suitable conduits 73 and 75 to the opposite ends of the trim cylinder 63 so as to provide for selective application of pressure fluid to opposite sides of the piston 65 and thereby to afford positive piston rod movement in both directions.

Various thrust element supporting means can be employed. In the illustrated construction, such means comprises an elongated bracket 81 which, at its upper end, is mounted to the tilt pin 17 for pivotal movement relative thereto and which, remotely from the pivotal connection about the tilt pin 17, includes a portion 83 supporting the thrust element 53. As a consequence, the thrust element is movable through an arcuate path centered at the horizontal axis or tilt pin 17.

Various arrangements can be employed for providing and mounting the thrust element 53. In the illustrated construction, the thrust element 53 comprises a block which is bolted or otherwise suitably connected to the bracket portion 83 and which has a semi-cylindrically shaped upper surface. Alternatively, a cylindrical pin or element extending transversely between two laterally spaced supports projecting from the bracket portion 83 could be employed.

Various means can be employed to connectthe piston rod 61 to the thrust element supporting bracket 81 so as to cause movement of the thrust element 53 along its arcuate path in the fore and aft direction in response to both extension and retraction of the piston rod 61. In the illustrated construction, the bracket 81 includes a lower portion 85 having a slightly elongated slot or aperture 87 receiving a bolt 89 which is threaded into the free end of the piston rod 61 and which includes a head 91 capturing the bracket portion 85 between the head 91and the piston rod 61. The elongated length of the aperture 87 affords lost motion between the bracket 81 and the piston rod 61 in the direction radially of the horizontal axis during fore and aft piston rod movement which is effective to positively displace the thrust element 53 both toward and away from the transom 15. p

Means are also provided for preventing relative rotation between the piston rod 61 and the thrust element supporting bracket 81. While various arrangements can be employed, in the illustrated construction, the elongated aperture 87 includes, at the upper end thereof, a vertically extending slot 95 which receives a pin 97 extending axially from the free end of the piston rod 61. This connection facilitates threaded receipt of the bolt 89 into the piston rod by preventing rotation of the piston rod in response to rotation of the bolt 89 and so as thereby to connect the thrust element supporting bracket 81 to the piston rod 61.

In order to prevent withdrawal of the bolt 89 from the piston rod 61, the bolt 89 includes a nylon pellet 99 which serves to effectively lock the bolt 89 relative to the piston rod 61. r

In accordance with the invention, means are also provided for transmitting reverse thrust from the propulsion unit 23 to the transom bracket 19 and for affording tilting of the propulsion unit 23 from a trimmed running position to a raised or elevated position in response to the striking of an underwater obstacle or otherwise. One such arrangement is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and a second arrangement is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the means for transmitting reverse thrust and affording propulsion unit tilting comprises hydraulic tilt means 101 connected between the swivel bracket 19 and the transom bracket. More specifically such hydraulic tilt means 101 incldues a hydraulic cylinder piston means for raising and lowering the swivel bracket 19 relative to the fully elevated position, for transmitting thrust during reverse operation, and for absorbing shock in the event of the striking of an underwater object by the propulsion unit 23.

While various arrangements can be employed, in the illustrated construction, such means comprises a pis ton-cylinder assembly 103 including a tilt cylinder 104 connected to one of the swivel bracket 19 and transom bracket 13 and a tilt piston 105 which is movable axially in the tilt cylinder 103, and which is connected to a piston rod which, in turn, is connected to the other of the swivel bracket 19 and transom bracket 13.

The hydraulic tilt means 101 also includes another suitable combination reversible electric motor and pump assembly 111 connected by a pair of suitable conduits 113 and 115 to the opposite ends of the tilt cylinder 104 so as to provide for selective application of pressure fluid to both sides of the tilt piston 105.

Also in accordance with the invention, means are provided for operating the hydraulic trim means 31 independently of the operation of the hydraulic tilt 101.

Such means comprises an electrical three position toggle switch 117 movable from an off position to oppositely spaced actuating positions energizing the combined motor and pump assembly 71 for operation in opposite directions.

Also in accordance with the invention, means are provided for operating the hydraulic tilt means 101 independently of the hydraulic trim means 31. While various arrangements can be employed, such means ineludes another three position electrical toggle switch 119 movable relative to an off position to oppositely spaced actuating positions which respectively energize the combined motor and pump assembly 111 for rotation in opposite directions.

The reversible electric motors and pump assemblies 71 and 111 can be energized through the respective toggle switches 117 and 119 from a common battery 121 or other source of power. However, it is noted that the trim reversible electric motor and pump assembly 71 and the tilt reversible electric motor and pump assembly 111 are mutually independently operable.

In order to provide for upward swinging of the propulsion unit 23 in the event of the striking of an underwater obstacle, the tilt piston 105 includes a suitable orifice 121 which permits transfer of hydraulic fluid within the tilt cylinder 104 from the top to the bottom of the tilt piston 105 and thereby also serves as a shock absorbing means consequent to upward swinging of the propulsion unit 23 in response to the striking of an underwater obstacle.

Means are also included in the hydraulic tilt means 101 to afford transmission from the propulsion unit 23 to the transom of a perdetermined amount of reverse thrust during reverse operation.

In order to permit reverse operation, i.e., in order to prevent upward swinging of the propulsion unit 23 away from the transom 15 during reverse motor operation, means are also included in the hydraulic tilt means 101 to afford transmission of a predetermined amount of reverse thrust from the propulsion unit 23 to the transom 15. While various arrangements can be employed, in the illustrated construction, such means comprises providing the orifice 121 with a check valve member 123 biased by a spring 125 to prevent check valve opening, with consequent flow through the orifice 121, until after development in the tilt cylinder 104 of a predetermined pressure corresponding to a predetermined reverse thrust level. It should be noted that the pressures developed in the tilt cylinder 104 in response to the striking of an underwater obstacle commonly exceed that developed during reverse operation.

In operation, the hydraulic trim means 31 can be acmated to adjust the trim of the propulsion unit 23 so as to provide for optimum propulsion. If it is desired to raise the propulsion unit 23 from the trim position es tablished by the hydraulic trim means 31 in the event of shallow water operation, the hydraulic tilt means 101 can be actuated to raise the propulsion unit 23. Subsequent loweringof the propulsion unit 23 will return the propulsion unit 23 to the pre-set established trim position. In this regard, it is noted that the moment arms of the tilt cylinder 104 and trim cylinder 63 relative to the horizontal axis and the fluid pressures produced by the reversible electric motor and pump assemblies 71 and 111 are such that the hydraulic trim means 31 is more powerful than the hydraulic tilt means 101 and that downward movement of the hydraulic tilt means 101 is ineffective to inwardly displace the piston rod 61 of the hydraulic trim means 31. Of

course, suitable safety valves can be provided to prevent the build-up of excessive pressures in both the tilt and trim hydraulic systems.

Shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is a second arrangement for transmitting reverse thrust from the propulsion unit 23 to the transom bracket 13 and foraffording tilting of the propulsion unit 23 from the trimmed running position to a raised or'elevated position. Such means comprises mounting onthe swivel bracket 19 of a reverse lock assembly 151 which is of the general type disclosed in the Hulsebus US. Pat. No. Re. 25,048, issued Oct. 3, 1961, and which is also generally disclosed in theU.S. co-pending application Ser. No. 271,198, filed July 12, 1972, now US. Pat. No. 3,785,329, and assigned to the assignee of this application, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

More specifically, the reverse lock assembly includes a pair of laterallyspaced pivot arms 153 which are respectively pivotally connected on opposite sides of the swivel bracket 19 by pivot pins 155 and which, at their forward ends, are connected by a pivot pin 157 to a pivotally movable bale or yoke 159 which includesa cross web 161 connected to laterally spaced legs 163 extending fore and aft. Adjacent their'forward ends,.the legs 163 include hook portions 165 adapted to releasably engage the semi-cylindrical upper surface of the thrust element 53 during normal reverse operation and to thereby prevent upward swinging of the propulsion unit away from the transom 15. Adjacent their rearward ends, the legs 163 are respectively connected to the lower end of one or more tension springs 1.71 which, in turn, at their upper ends, are anchored to the swivel bracket 19.

Means including an actuating rod 173 engageable with the cross web 161 of the yoke 159 are provided for releasing the reverse lock assembly 151, i.e., for lifting the hook portions 165 out of engagement with the thrust element 53. Such means can be manually operated as disclosed in the Hulsebus US. Pat. No. Re.

25,048 or can be operated in accordance with the disclosure of U.S. application Ser. No. 271,198, filed July 12, 1972.

In operation, if the propulsion unit 23 strikes an underwater obstacle, the reverse lock assembly 151 will automatically release to permit upward swinging of the propulsion unit 23 from the trimmed running position. Upon return movement, the propulsion unit 23 will automatically return to the prior trimmed running position. In the event that it is desired to raise the propulsion unit 23 for inspection of the propeller 27 or otherwise, the reverse lock assembly 151 can be manually released and the propulsion unit 23 manually elevated.

If desired, the power tilting cylinder can also be employed with the reversing lock arrangement whereby to permit power tilting of the propulsion unit when the reverse locking is manually released. In addition, if desired, a shock absorber can also be employed with a reverse lock assembly to cushion upward tilting in response to striking of an underwater obstacle.

Various of the features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

We claim:

1. A marine propulsion device comprising a first member adapted to be attached to a boat, a second member, means including a tilt pin for connecting said second member to said first member for vertical swinging movement of said second member relative to said first member about the axis of said tilt pin, a thrust element, means on said second member for engaging said thrust element to transmit forward thrust from said second member to said thrust element when said marine propulsion device is operating in forward drive, means for supporting said thrust element for movement about the axis of said tilt pin, hydraulic cylinder means including a cylinder stationarily fixed relative to said first member and extending in the fore and aft direction and a piston selectively movable in said cylinder in the fore and aft direction, and means connecting said piston and said thrust element for displacement of said thrust element in the fore and aft direction in response to fore and aft displacement of said piston and including a connection between said thrust element and said piston providing lost motion in the direction radially of said tilt axis.

2. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said marine propulsion device is operable to provide reverse drive and further including means for transmitting reverse thrust from said second member to said first member when said marine propulsion device is operating in reverse drive.

3.A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 2 wherein said reverse thrust transmitting means comprises second hydraulic means connected between said first and second members for vertically swinging said second member relative to said first member.

4. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 2 wherein said reverse thrust transmitting means comprises a reverse lock assembly on said second member for releasable engagement with said thrust element. A

5. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for supporting said thrust element comprises a bracket having one end pivotally connected to said tilt pin and having, at its other end, a connection with said hydraulic means.

6. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said hydraulic cylinder means comprises selectively operable means for supplying pressure fluid to said cylinder to displace said piston in said cylinder, and wherein said means for supporting said thrust element comprises a bracket having, at one end, a pivotal connection to said tilt pin, and wherein said connecting means connects said piston to said bracket for swinging said bracket about said tilt pin so as to move said thrust element fore and aft in an arcuate path having a uniform radius from said tilt pin.

7. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 6 including second hydraulic means connected between said first and second members for vertically swinging said second member relative to said first member.

8. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 7 and further including means for operating said hydraulic trim means independently of said second hydraulic means, and means for operating said second hy draulic means independently of said hydraulic trim means.

9. A marine propulsion device comprising a first member adapted to be attached to a boat, a second member connected to said first member for vertical swinging movement about a horizontal axis between a fully lowered position and a fully elevated position, hydraulic trim means connected between said first and second members for displacing said second member about said horizontal axis through a limited range ex tending from said fully lowered position to establish said second member in a trim position, said hydraulic trim means including an extensible and retractable tn'm piston-cylinder assembly connected to said first member and a releasable connection between said second member and said trim piston-cylinder assembly, hydraulic tilt means connected between said first and second members and operable, when said connection between said second member and said trim pistoncylinder assembly is released, to vertically swing said second member relative to said first member between said elevated position and said trim position, means for operating said hydraulic trim means independently of said hydraulic tilt means, and means for operating said hydraulic tilt means independently of said hydraulic trim means.

10. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 9 wherein said hydraulic tilt means comprises a tilt cylinder connected to one of said first and second members, a tilt piston movable in said tilt cylinder and connected to the other of said first and second members, and selectively operable means for supplying pressure fluid to said tilt cylinder to displace said tilt piston in said tilt cylinder.

ll. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 9 wherein said releasable connection includes a thrust element, means for supporting said thrust element for movement about said horizontal axis and means connecting said trim cylinder-piston assembly to said thrust element supporting means to displace said thrust element about said horizontal axis in response to extension and retraction of said tilt cylinder-piston assembly.

12. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 11 wherein said trim cylinder-piston assembly includes a trim cylinder, a trim piston movable in said trim cylinder in the direction fore and aft, and wherein said thrust element supporting means comprises a bracket having one end mounted for pivotal movement about said horizontal axis and having said thrust element supported on said bracket remotely from said horizontal axis, and wherein said means connecting said thrust element supporting means and said trim cylinder-piston assembly comprises means connecting said trim piston and said bracket for common movement in the fore and aft direction and for lost motion in the direction radially of said horizontal axis in response to extension and retraction of said trim piston relative to said trim cylinder.

13. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 12 including means preventing relative rotation between said trim piston and said bracket.

14. An outborad motor comprising a transom bracket adapted to be attached to a boat, a swivel bracket, means including a tilt pin for connecting said swivel bracket to said transom bracket for vertical swinging movement of said swivel bracket relative to said transom bracket about the axis of said tilt pin, a

propulsion unit, means connecting said propulsion unit to said swivel bracket for common vertical swinging movement with said swivel bracket and for pivotal movement of said propulsion unit relative to said swivel bracket about a steering axis transverse of the axis of said tilt pin, a thrust element, means on said swivel bracket for engaging said thrust element to transmit forward thrust from said swivel bracket to said thrust element when said outboard motor is operating in forward drive, means for supporting; said thrust element for movement about the axis of said tilt pin, hydraulic cylinder means including a cylinder stationarily fixed relative to said transom bracket and extending in the fore and aft direction and a piston selectively movable in said cylinder in the fore and aft direction, and means connecting said piston and said thrust element for displacement of said thrust element in the fore and aft direction in response to fore and aft displacement of said piston.

Q UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE QETFECATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,839,986 Dated October 8, 1974 e l Martin H. Meyer and Raymond D. Collis It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 5, line 2 "inc ldues" should be g ---includes---.

Claim 8, line 3, Q "trim" should be ---cylinder-.

Claim 8, line 5, "trim" should be e cylinder Signed and Scaled this sixteenth Day Of September 1975 [SEAL] Attest:

RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN 7 Commissioner n/Parenrs and Trademarks 

1. A marine propulsion device comprising a first member adapted to be attached to a boat, a second member, means including a tilt pin for connecting said second member to said first member for vertical swinging movement of said second member relative to said first member about the axis of said tilt pin, a thrust element, means on said second member for engaging said thrust element to transmit forward thrust from said second member to said thrust element when said marine propulsion device is operating in forward drive, means for supporting said thrust element for movement about the axis of said tilt pin, hydraulic cylinder means including a cylinder stationarily fixed relative to said first member and extending in the fore and aft direction and a piston selectively movable in said cylinder in the fore and aft direction, and means connecting said piston and said thrust element for displacement of said thrust element in the fore and aft direction in response to fore and aft displacement of said piston and inclUding a connection between said thrust element and said piston providing lost motion in the direction radially of said tilt axis.
 2. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said marine propulsion device is operable to provide reverse drive and further including means for transmitting reverse thrust from said second member to said first member when said marine propulsion device is operating in reverse drive.
 3. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 2 wherein said reverse thrust transmitting means comprises second hydraulic means connected between said first and second members for vertically swinging said second member relative to said first member.
 4. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 2 wherein said reverse thrust transmitting means comprises a reverse lock assembly on said second member for releasable engagement with said thrust element.
 5. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for supporting said thrust element comprises a bracket having one end pivotally connected to said tilt pin and having, at its other end, a connection with said hydraulic means.
 6. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said hydraulic cylinder means comprises selectively operable means for supplying pressure fluid to said cylinder to displace said piston in said cylinder, and wherein said means for supporting said thrust element comprises a bracket having, at one end, a pivotal connection to said tilt pin, and wherein said connecting means connects said piston to said bracket for swinging said bracket about said tilt pin so as to move said thrust element fore and aft in an arcuate path having a uniform radius from said tilt pin.
 7. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 6 including second hydraulic means connected between said first and second members for vertically swinging said second member relative to said first member.
 8. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 7 and further including means for operating said hydraulic trim means independently of said second hydraulic means, and means for operating said second hydraulic means independently of said hydraulic trim means.
 9. A marine propulsion device comprising a first member adapted to be attached to a boat, a second member connected to said first member for vertical swinging movement about a horizontal axis between a fully lowered position and a fully elevated position, hydraulic trim means connected between said first and second members for displacing said second member about said horizontal axis through a limited range extending from said fully lowered position to establish said second member in a trim position, said hydraulic trim means including an extensible and retractable trim piston-cylinder assembly connected to said first member and a releasable connection between said second member and said trim piston-cylinder assembly, hydraulic tilt means connected between said first and second members and operable, when said connection between said second member and said trim piston-cylinder assembly is released, to vertically swing said second member relative to said first member between said elevated position and said trim position, means for operating said hydraulic trim means independently of said hydraulic tilt means, and means for operating said hydraulic tilt means independently of said hydraulic trim means.
 10. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 9 wherein said hydraulic tilt means comprises a tilt cylinder connected to one of said first and second members, a tilt piston movable in said tilt cylinder and connected to the other of said first and second members, and selectively operable means for supplying pressure fluid to said tilt cylinder to displace said tilt piston in said tilt cylinder.
 11. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 9 wherein said releasable connection includes a thrust element, means for supporting said thrust element for movement about said horizontal axis and means connecting said trim cylinder-piston assembly to said thrust element supporting means to displace said thrust element about said horizontal axis in response to extension and retraction of said tilt cylinder-piston assembly.
 12. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 11 wherein said trim cylinder-piston assembly includes a trim cylinder, a trim piston movable in said trim cylinder in the direction fore and aft, and wherein said thrust element supporting means comprises a bracket having one end mounted for pivotal movement about said horizontal axis and having said thrust element supported on said bracket remotely from said horizontal axis, and wherein said means connecting said thrust element supporting means and said trim cylinder-piston assembly comprises means connecting said trim piston and said bracket for common movement in the fore and aft direction and for lost motion in the direction radially of said horizontal axis in response to extension and retraction of said trim piston relative to said trim cylinder.
 13. A marine propulsion device in accordance with claim 12 including means preventing relative rotation between said trim piston and said bracket.
 14. An outborad motor comprising a transom bracket adapted to be attached to a boat, a swivel bracket, means including a tilt pin for connecting said swivel bracket to said transom bracket for vertical swinging movement of said swivel bracket relative to said transom bracket about the axis of said tilt pin, a propulsion unit, means connecting said propulsion unit to said swivel bracket for common vertical swinging movement with said swivel bracket and for pivotal movement of said propulsion unit relative to said swivel bracket about a steering axis transverse of the axis of said tilt pin, a thrust element, means on said swivel bracket for engaging said thrust element to transmit forward thrust from said swivel bracket to said thrust element when said outboard motor is operating in forward drive, means for supporting said thrust element for movement about the axis of said tilt pin, hydraulic cylinder means including a cylinder stationarily fixed relative to said transom bracket and extending in the fore and aft direction and a piston selectively movable in said cylinder in the fore and aft direction, and means connecting said piston and said thrust element for displacement of said thrust element in the fore and aft direction in response to fore and aft displacement of said piston. 